OAP Dotun has taken a stand against South African artist Tyla, criticizing her remarks during her acceptance speech for the Best Afrobeats Award at the MTV VMAs 2024.
The comments made by Tyla have sparked a wave of reactions, as many feel her statements may not fully represent the diverse Afrobeats community.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Tyla has etched her name in the annals of music history by becoming the first female African artist and the first South African artist to clinch a coveted VMA.
This remarkable milestone not only highlights her exceptional talent but also paves the way for future generations of artists from the continent to shine on the global stage.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Tyla expressed her emotions surrounding her victory, calling it “ just special yet tinged with bittersweet feelings.”
She emphasized the significance of her achievement, highlighting her role as a representative of the vibrant Amapiano music genre, which has been making waves globally.
She passionately articulated that “African music is so diverse, and more than just Afrobeats.”
In a recent commentary on Tyla’s acceptance speech, popular OAP Dotun expressed his disappointment, labeling her victory for Best Afrobeat Song at the 2024 VMA as a significant oversight.
He emphasized that Tyla had the option to return the award or reject the nomination, rather than accepting it and claiming to represent ‘Amapiano.’
In a recent statement, Dotun revealed that the South African artist received an award that does not align with her musical style.
Afrobeat, a vibrant musical genre hailing from Nigeria, has its roots firmly planted in the 1960s. This dynamic style was brought to life by the legendary Fela Kuti, a multi-talented instrumentalist and charismatic bandleader, whose innovative approach to music blended traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife.
Kuti’s groundbreaking work not only defined the genre but also laid the foundation for a cultural movement that resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders.